Texas Conference on Innovation to Feature Keynotes by CEOs of ExxonMobil and Texas Instruments

AUSTIN – Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil; and Rich K. Templeton, chairman, president and CEO of Texas Instruments, will be featured speakers at the 8th annual conference of The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) on Jan. 6-7 at Austin's Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The event, hosted by the University of Texas System, will explore the impact and significance of innovation in Texas, including revolutionary changes in technologies, medical therapies, scientific applications and business practices with significant proven or potential societal impact. The program also includes presentations by prominent leaders in industry and research.

About TAMEST The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) was founded in 2004 to provide broader recognition of the state's top achievers in medicine, engineering and science, and to build a stronger identity for Texas as an important destination and center of achievement in these fields. Members include Texas Nobel Laureates and 240+ National Academies members. TAMEST brings the state's top scientific, academic and corporate minds together to further position Texas as a national research leader. TAMEST also hopes to foster the next generation of scientists, and to increase the awareness and communication among the state's best and brightest about research priorities for the future.

About the University of Texas System The University of Texas System is one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, with nine academic campuses and six health institutions. The UT System has an annual operating budget of $12.8 billion (FY 2011) including $2.3 billion in sponsored programs funded by federal, state, local and private sources. Preliminary student enrollment exceeded 202,000 in the 2009 academic year. The UT System confers more than one-third of the state's undergraduate degrees and educates nearly three-fourths of the state's healthcare professionals annually. With more than 84,000 employees, the UT System is one of the largest employers in the state.